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Holiday Halt or Holiday Hope?
December 1, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Welcome to December! Can you believe we are almost through with 2011? I think it’s a good thing – as we proceed into 2012 I think the market is going to turn a bit more optimistic here in Central CT. Maybe not on January 1st, but I do think that there are some amazing opportunities out there that are only going to get better. But since we still have another month in 2011, many people want to know if it’s a BAD time of year to list their home and if their home is currently listed, they want to know if they should pull it off until spring. The choice is yours, but there are some good things about selling your home this time of year.
One good thing about December is it’s the holiday season so there will be Christmas lights and decorations everywhere and excitement in the air. Houses show exceptionally well all decorated and give a cozy feeling of home. People tend to keep their houses cleaner for parties as well. Think of how great the curb appeal is on a home with sparkling white lights glowing as you approach. Just try to look beyond the giant blown up Santas….my goodness are they gaudy.
Another great thing about selling in December is there is not a lot of competition on the market. As a listing, your home is compared to others on the market, so if there is less inventory, you have a better chance of standing out compared to the rest. Of course, there is no hiding an overpriced listing, so be sure to price the property well. Since the pool of buyers is less than other times of the year, you don’t want to discourage any buyer from looking at your home because it is overpriced. Price your home accordingly and keep an eye on your competition.
Which leads me to my final point; December buyers are SERIOUS buyers. Companies in December have finished their budgeting for the following year and if they are hiring they are going to bring people on right after the holidays. Which makes December an important time of year for those people relocating to the area. Needless to say, any showing is a good showing. It only takes ONE buyer.
So if you are hesitant about listing your home in December, try to look at the positive. Decorate your home for the season, price your home aggressively, and don’t turn down any showings during this time of year because the buyers that are shopping in December are serious buyers.
Happy Holidays!!
Michele Pellegatto –
www.centralctrealestate.com